Job Title: Paraprofessional Substitute

Location: Teacher Administration Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming St, Omaha NE 68131

Reports To: Human Resource Substitute Office and Building Principal

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: Varies as needed

Salary Schedule: $16.75 per hour

Position Purpose:  The role of a substitute paraprofessional is to provide assistance to both the teacher and students as directed by the classroom teacher to ensure that students receive quality instruction.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Ability to work with and meet individual needs of children as directed by professional staff.
• Ability to perform as a team member.
• Ability to be actively engaged in learning experiences with children.
• Ability to actively interact with children.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and be able to adapt to the physical demands of this position.
• Ability to perform routine classroom management and maintenance duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting, climbing and walking.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
• Evidence of good mental and physical health.
• Dependable with good work attendance record.
• Skills pertinent to positive human relationships and ability to work effectively with instructional staff, students, parents, administration and the community.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Limited travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Works in school building environments.

Interrelations:

• Contact with internal district staff and with external families, community, customers and vendors.
• Works under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher and principal to complete day to day tasks.
• Works with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to student and customer needs and maintains a positive attitude with all students, families, and colleagues.
• Interacts with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner to provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• Expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated duty day, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a classified full-time non-exempt position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified.
• A thorough background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.